Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Padres

The Padres had a strong April, thanks to the material of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. However, after Tatis' injury in May, the team sort of reverted to its old self- sluggish, hapless, and unlucky. And therefore they ended the year in last. They've already done a lot of work to be ready in 2020, but will it be as effective as, say, signing Machado, bringing up Tatis and a bunch of pitchers?

Wil Myers, after being the centerpiece of the team since 2016, regressed further in 2019, hitting .239 and 18 home runs, a full-season low for Myers.
Why Him in 2019?: Held a full-season position despite being usurped by Machado and Hosmer
2020 Prediction: An improvement in numbers, but over less games.

In the absence of Myers' better numbers, Josh Naylor came in from Canada and captured an outfield spot after Franmil Reyes was traded. Naylor hit 32 RBIs in 94 games, and had a .403 SLG.
Why Him in 2019?: Gave an outfield position back to the youth movement
2020 Prediction: A full season of starting, and a 75-RBI year.

 In the midst of the revolving door year in the rotation came a return from Dinelson Lamet, who started some games in 2017. He fared well here, with 105 strikeouts in 14 games, and a 4.07 ERA.
Why Him in 2019?: He counts as a veteran presence in the 2019 rotation, I think
2020 Prediction: Will be a sleeper favorite in the rotation, despite Paddack and Davies having flashier years.

 One of the bigger rotation rookies of the second was Cal Quantrill, who came into vogue after Logan Allen left. Of the big rookies of 2019 in San Diego (Avila, Margevicius, Paddack, Morejon), he was the most 'meh' of them all, with a 5.16 ERA and a 6-8 record.
Why Him in 2019?: Ate 103 innings for a team improving its pitching reputation
2020 Prediction: Will have a much better starting year, with 12 wins and 175 strikeouts.

 Once again, thanks to Machado and Tatis, the Padres had no room for Luis Urias, who did what he could as backup later in the year. Still, in 74 games, Urias hit .223 with 56 strikeouts, so he needs to figure out how to hit at MLB levels.
Why Him in 2019?: Covered for Tatis during his injury periods
2020 Prediction: Will be an upgrade from Arcia in Milwaukee, but won't hit his stride til late in the season.

Why the Padres still insist on starting Austin Hedges and his .176 average over Francisco Mejia I have no idea. Mejia had a strong year as backup, hitting .265 with 22 RBIs and 8 home runs over 79 games. I'd honestly give him the gig over Hedges in 2019 if I were managing there.
Why Him in 2019?: Proved that the Cleveland prospectors had a point
2020 Prediction: Will win the starting gig in April and be one of the more durable members of the team by September.

Coming Tomorrow- For the second year in a row, the Phillies let several teams pass them in the standings in their pursuit of first. Here are some players who at least tried to stop this.